Getting Disillusioned?

The 2016 Presidential race seems to be saying that qualifications and interest in making change are unimportant for someone to become America’s commander in chief. Events seem to be saying “popularity” in a democratic sense is enough. Otherwise how can one explain Donald Trump’s serious run, or Hillary Clinton’s low level support?
With respect to Trump, from his utterances, his facial gestures, and his flamboyant, narcissistic style, how can anyone say other than, “really”?

Never the less, seasoned GOP leaders are carefully backing him, probably in hopes that down ticket Republicans won’t get flushed out if Trump does lose. Speaker Paul Ryan has been quiet demurring that Congressional business is his main focus. Senate Leader Mitch McConnell has done much the same although McConnell has endorsed Trump firmly by his total rejection of Hillary Clinton.

At this point in the Presidential contest, the outcome could go either way. There might be a President Trump or there might be a President Clinton. Columnist George Will has said it makes little difference who wins because he thinks Trump is further left on some issues than Clinton. For a lifelong conservative, Will is disillusioned.

Republicans are quietly poised, with a Trump victory, to repeal Obamacare, end funding for Planned Parenthood, and take on the holy trinity, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. A Trump win also puts any comprehensive immigration reform in the waste bin and watch out “Common Core” or any other national program to improve American’s educational system.

Oh, and let’s not forget that every home could have a gun and with a GOP friendly Washington, open carry would be encouraged. If all this is not enough, Republicans are drooling over the prospects to roll back taxes and in doing so, grant the very wealth a huge tax windfall.

Trump supporters and the GOP are ready to do this in order to make America great again. Jobs, prosperity, and the American Dream will be available to all Americans, Trump supporters say. How can Hillary top that?

Hmmm.

Hillary’s path would seem like a walk in the park. Clinton has promised protection for the “holy trinity”, Obamacare, and promised a jobs creating grand infrastructure repair program. Unfortunately, Clinton has not addressed the problems the holy trinity and Obamacare face, especially the pending funding/solvency threats to Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid, or the fixes Obamacare needs.

What is really disillusioning is that there is abundant non-partisan information confirming that affordable healthcare, help towards a dignified retirement, and a robust economy necessary to support the American Dream will require changes in the current status quo. Change need not be draconian, nor will simply throwing more money at it will be the answer. Why doesn’t Hillary say what everyone knows?

What is just as disillusioning is that Congress seems more concerned about keeping their jobs. The thought of rolling up their sleeves and doing the hard work of building non-partisan solutions rather than raising money for their next campaign seems missing.

A Trump victory will be far more than disillusioning. A Trump win will set the US on a steeper decline away from an exceptional country and open the future to even stronger partisan governance. That is very disillusioning.